KATIE CRUEL

Set in the late 19th century in the vast openness of the Wyoming territory, Katie Cruel unravels the mystery of what may have inspired French architect and sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi to declare “America is an adorable woman chewing tobacco.,” as he concluded his travels across the United States. While on his journey, Bartholdi seeks shelter in a small homestead whose inhabitants keep to themselves, as they try to make do on their own far from what little civilization may be around. Brothers Henry and Jim keep a close watch on wife Katie, but when Bartholdi witnesses the cruel treatment she is subjected to, he unknowingly provides the one thing Katie needs to liberate herself from stranglehold of her family – a way out.

Katie Cruel was written by Andrew Herwitz and Sylvia Bush, based on an original story by Herwitz, it was produced by Britt Fay Rivera and directed by Herwitz. Shot on location at a ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley, the film blends the tension of a taught thriller with that of a classic western where rugged individualism triumphs. The film was developed and produced during season four of the SmashCut Film Lab and was first screened at the private, invite-only SmashCut CineFest 2017 in Los Angeles to a standing room only audience.

The film is currently awaiting schedule announcements from various film festivals across North America. Please check back to find out where the film may be playing near you.

FILMMAKERS

Andrew Herwitz

Writer/Director

Andrew is based in Los Angeles but a San Francisco native. He direct films, commercials and music videos through his production company Onema Pictures. He learned filmmaking by making, watching and working on movies. After high school he worked odd jobs while directing short films and music videos in my free time. In 2014 Andrew set out as a freelance writer / director, with commercial clients include HP, Vaseline, Optimizely and others. His goal is to make feature films and continually devote myself to projects that matter to me.

Britt Fay Rivera

Producer

Brittney is a Los Angeles transplant, originally hailing from Seattle, Washington. After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, in Philosophy, from the University of Texas, Brittney led a small non- profit focused on promoting free-market ideas on college campuses nationwide. Currently acting as contemporary Carmen Sandiego and semi-pro gamer, Brittney’s true passion lays in television and film.

Sylvia Bush

Writer/Producer

Sylvia Bush is an actress and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Cinema Studies from DePaul University in Chicago, she moved to LA and began her career at NBCUniversal, where she worked with the award winning on-air promotions team at the cable network, mun2. Sylvia now develops independent film projects and is vice-president of Cinergy Productions.